TORONTO—As this year's inductees to the Hockey Hall of Fame were introduced before the Legends Classic old-timer's game on Sunday, the video tribute to Joe Sakic included the Colorado Avalanche captain receiving the 1996 Conn Smythe Trophy.

It took a moment for the Air Canada Centre crowd to realize what was on the jumbotron, but once that recognition kicked in, the boos started raining down. They had nothing to do with one of the great moments of Sakic's legendary career, and everything to do with the supporting actor in the 16-year-old video: Gary Bettman.

The commissioner of the NHL is accustomed to being booed when he presents the Conn Smythe to the MVP of the playoffs, and when he gives the Stanley Cup to the winning captain. Toronto Maple Leafs fans, without a Cup since 1967, have never had a chance to join in that tradition, but of course Sunday's boos were not about getting in on the act—having the mere chance to boo a video of Bettman from a decade and a half ago represented the fans' best opportunity to publicly express their rage at the 57-day NHL lockout, which has no end in sight.

With negotiations on hold—Fehr said on Sunday he did not know when talks would resume—Chris Johnston of the Canadian Press reported that Bettman and Daly "are still expected to attend the Hockey Hall of Fame induction."

Sure, why not? Bettman and Daly already have teamed up with their NHLPA counterparts to bring down hockey in the present, and seriously hinder the game's future. Might as well go for the hat trick and spoil a day meant to celebrate the past.

Make no mistake, if Bettman and Daly show up at the Hall of Fame on Monday—a day that is supposed to be about Sakic, Pavel Bure, Adam Oates, and Mats Sundin—they will steal the spotlight. Newspapers and television stations only have so much space and time to devote to hockey, and the presence of the NHL's head honchos would require chronicling at the expense of the Hall of Famers. Even if Bettman and Daly refuse to speak to the media at the ceremony, their no-comments would merit a story.

These men are supposed to be the guardians of hockey, above all else. Even in labor negotiations, as badly as they are going, Bettman and Daly can at least say that they are working in the best interests of hockey, trying to keep the NHL on solid financial footing. Showing up at the Hall of Fame inductions, at a time when they have to know their presence will distract from the celebration, is not in anyone's best interests.

"It's a work stoppage, and it happens in all walks of life," Oates said. "Teachers, carpenters, auto workers, you name it. It's a shame that it's happening for the game of hockey, but it's fine. For us, it doesn't take anything away from the feelings we have and the memories we have."

What it takes away from is the recognition that Oates and his induction classmates deserve, recognition that, in Oates' case, took too long to come. When Oates was introduced and came out to receive his Hall of Fame blazer, a voice from the crowd yelled "Finally!" Oates, who missed 36 games in his prime to the 1994-95 lockout, and whose NHL career ended in 2004, did not hear the shout, but shook it off all the same.

"It's the ultimate compliment as a player, being grouped in with guys you respected so much," Oates said. "There's no better honor than being respected by your peers. I've always been a bit of a shy guy, and I've felt that it's your guys' job (in the media) to say that, not mine."

Very well.

Oates was great. So was Bure, so was Sakic, and so was Sundin. Their entry to the Hall of Fame is a sign of respect from the hockey world that will be everlasting. The NHL lockout is the ultimate disrespect to the fans, to the players, and to the history of the game. Monday should be about the former, not the latter, and if they really want to act in the best interests of their sport, Bettman and Daly should let the celebration proceed and let hockey fans in Toronto and beyond forget about the lockout for a day.